Edsall Road crosswalk improved
Residents of Bren Pointe and surrounding communities in Bren Mar Park now have a safer way to cross Edsall Road, thanks to a newly enhanced crosswalk.
There had already been a striped crosswalk at that spot, but many cars didn’t stop for pedestrians, said Mary Bowen, vice president of the Bren Pointe HOA.
The new improvements include solar-powered flashing lights, yellow warning signs, three new poles, and new wiring for backup electricity for the lights.
Related story: A crash on Edsall Road highlights the need for a pedestrian signal
Bowen and her neighbors had been working on getting VDOT to improve the crosswalk since the townhouse community was built four years ago.
The first traffic study conducted by VDOT showed improvements weren’t necessary, Bowen recalled. But that study was done in the winter when fewer people crossed Edsall Road to get to the Bren Mar Pool, Bren Mar Park, and the walking trails in the woods.
Bowen said she appealed to Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez, who persuaded VDOT to do another study during a warmer month. That study found a flashing beacon was needed. VDOT approved the project in 2024.
Tri Pointe Homes, the company that built Bren Pointe, is covering the cost of the crosswalk improvements. That was one of the proffer requirements the developer agreed to when the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the townhome project.
Related story: New townhouse development going up on Edsall Road
At the ribbon-cutting for the crosswalk improvements on Oct. 18, Jimenez said, “When I ran for office, pedestrian safety was a priority. It’s important to feel safe in your own community.”
Jimenez urged residents to reach out to his office if they have a problem. “We’re here to help,” he said. “We’re here to work with you.”
Bren Pointe residents are currently fighting a proposal for an electrical substation and transmission lines between their community and a data center planned for the Plaza 500 site.
Nice photo op… zero impact project. For pedestrian safety maybe Jimenez could focus on getting abandoned, derelict cars towed from residential neighborhoods ? Or tickets for cars parked blocking sidewalks because there are too many vehicles parked in driveway ? Just drive around your district. You’ll see residential neighborhoods destroyed by absentee landlords who pack 20 people into a 3bedroom house that look like a used car lot. Then kids going to school or any pedestrians have to walk out into traffic to get to school. Heming Ave is just one example. Is this why BoS give themselves a pay raise?